Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew welcomed the former Prime Minister of Türkiye, Ahmet Davutoğlu, to his village on Imbros
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is currently visiting his birthplace of Imbros, welcomed Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, former Prime Minister of Türkiye and founder and leader of the ‘Gelecek’ Future Party, at his residence on Saturday,17 August 2024. Mr. Davutoğlu, accompanied by his daughter and associates, had expressed a keen interest in visiting the Patriarch.
During the visit, the Patriarch hosted a breakfast in honour of Mr. Davutoğlu and his delegation. The gathering provided an opportunity for a warm and engaging discussion on current and relevant issues.
During the visit, particular attention was given to key issues concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate, including the reopening of the Theological School of Halki. The discussion also touched on the current state of Greek-Turkish relations. Former Prime Minister Davutoğlu reminisced about his previous visits to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 2012, during his tenure as Foreign Minister of Turkey, and to the Athens Imbrian Association in 2013. The meeting concluded with the exchange of books and other gifts between the Patriarch and his guest.
The breakfast was attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, who had previously welcomed the distinguished guest in the central square of the village of Agioi Theodoroi.
Following the breakfast, the group toured the village on foot, visiting a small museum dedicated to the life and ministry of the Patriarch. During the visit, the Patriarch personally guided Mr. Davutoğlu through the exhibits.
In the museum’s visitors’ book, Mr. Davutoğlu expressed his honour at having visited the Ecumenical Patriarch, recalling their previous meetings. He also thanked Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his hospitality and expressed his hope that the various religious traditions in the country continue to coexist in harmony and mutual understanding.
They then visited the Café-Barber Shop that belonged to the Patriarch’s late father, as well as a neighbouring café.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou / Ecumenical Patriarchate
